I got a call today from a fellow musician from Danville VA. A mutual friend of ours referred him to me. He called to ask for advice on how to handle his upcoming audition for NBC’s The Voice. After we chatted for a bit, it got me reflecting on my time on the show. It’s obviously one of the highlights of my musical career so far, and I am very grateful for the experience. However, my time on the show taught me a very very valuable lesson. BE YOURSELF!

In my minimal advice to my fellow intentionally unnamed musician from Danville VA, this was the one piece of advice I emphasized. I had battled my nerves during my blind audition to make it into the show. The occasion was overwhelming as I met celebrity judges like Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine, got interviewed by people I had only seen on TV like Carson Daily, and I was promised the opportunity and illusion of the musical career I’d always dreamed of. As my battle rounds crept up, I figured I’d give the people what they want. I forgot everything I’d done to place myself in that position. I forgot to BE MYSELF.

To cut the long story shot, I did a ton of vocal acrobatics during my battle round because I figured that was what America and the judges wanted to see. I forgot that I am more of a painter/story teller. Truth be told, I’m happy I never progressed past the battle rounds. Why? Loosing was never the tragedy for me, but continuing to progress while loosing myself in the process would have been just that. Nowadays I perform all over the country as my truest self. I’m a story telling, always joking, usually goofy, and quite seldom serious performer. I’m a successful touring musician these days with the biggest smile on my face because I’m finally BEING MYSELF